HomeAnza Borrego General

Anything about Anza Borrego that does not fit into one of the other forums.

Park Closed? Messages in this topic - RSS

Rocko1
Rocko1
Posts: 596


3/30/2020
Rocko1
Rocko1
Posts: 596
With vehicle access closed, I assume the rest of the park(trails) is closed as well?


UPDATE (March 29, 2020): Vehicle access closed at ALL 280 state parks.

edited by Rocko1 on 3/30/2020
link
Buford
Buford
Posts: 456


3/30/2020
Buford
Buford
Posts: 456
Correct, park is closed.

Additionally many small communities are discouraging visitors. Julian was specifically mentioned in the San Diego UT. Many small communities have limited medical facilities.

--
Links to my photos: ABDSP photos, Bighorn sheep photos, ABDSP time lapse video, Wildlife photos (mainly birds)
+1 link
railexplorer
railexplorer
Posts: 71


3/31/2020
railexplorer
railexplorer
Posts: 71
I copied this off the parks website this morning... UPDATE (March 31, 2020): This park is temporarily closed to vehicular access. The park remains open for locals who wish to walk, hike and bike (in parks with bike trails) in the park, provided they practice social/physical distancing of 6 feet or more.

+1 link
Buford
Buford
Posts: 456


3/31/2020
Buford
Buford
Posts: 456
I just checked the webpage. Further down it says all dirt roads are closed to vehicles.

They are explicitly discouraging non locals to visit.

--
Links to my photos: ABDSP photos, Bighorn sheep photos, ABDSP time lapse video, Wildlife photos (mainly birds)
+1 link
Scooter
Scooter
Posts: 114


3/31/2020
Scooter
Scooter
Posts: 114
Just left Pinyon Wash this afternoon. Did a day hike to Blue Spring. The tanks are over flowing with all the water !! When i came out to Hwy 78 there were no signs or tape or anything at the entrance to Pinyon Wash Road FYI
+1 link
DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Posts: 135


4/1/2020
DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Posts: 135
ABDSP has not been putting up closure signs very well. Then again south of 78 there are lots of roads and that area is not patrolled as well as the main part of the Park. The Air Patrol Ranger is making PA announcements to campers and parked vehicles when needed.
+1 link
dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2622


4/1/2020
dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2622
Officially it is closed. We were out there last weekend (before it closed) and it was Spring Break for most folks and the rangers were busy at Ocotillo Wells and the north end of the park. Christmas Circle had tons of visitors, motorcycle riders, Jeeps, etc. Cuyamaca had beautiful snow and very few people, I saw one family with an entire hillside to themselves, sliding down the slopes.

--
http://www.sefcik.com
http://www.darensefcik.com
http://www.carrizogorge.com
+1 link
Buford
Buford
Posts: 456


4/1/2020
Buford
Buford
Posts: 456
I just got an email from the park confirming the park is closed and no volunteer activities for the foreseeable future as well.

I would guess they will step up enforcement soon. Shelter in place does not mean everyone from the city should head to the beach or desert.

--
Links to my photos: ABDSP photos, Bighorn sheep photos, ABDSP time lapse video, Wildlife photos (mainly birds)
+1 link
Rocko1
Rocko1
Posts: 596


4/1/2020
Rocko1
Rocko1
Posts: 596
dsefcik wrote:
Officially it is closed. We were out there last weekend (before it closed) and it was Spring Break for most folks and the rangers were busy at Ocotillo Wells and the north end of the park. Christmas Circle had tons of visitors, motorcycle riders, Jeeps, etc. Cuyamaca had beautiful snow and very few people, I saw one family with an entire hillside to themselves, sliding down the slopes.



I got in the last legal hike for the foreseeable future in Cuyamaca on Sunday. Snow starting about 4200ft.

link
tommy750
tommy750
Posts: 1049


4/19/2020
tommy750
tommy750
Posts: 1049
Today, driving out to Carrizo Canyon for a day hike, every access road to the park was blocked including the numerous viewpoints overlooking Canyon Sin Nombre. The S2 BP checkpoint had a sign flashing State Park closed. Last weekend the Jojoba Wash turnout was full of cars but not today.

Closed by tomteske, on Flickr
link
dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2622


4/20/2020
dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2622
Were the BP checkpoints staffed and stopping cars?

--
http://www.sefcik.com
http://www.darensefcik.com
http://www.carrizogorge.com
+1 link
Rocko1
Rocko1
Posts: 596


4/20/2020
Rocko1
Rocko1
Posts: 596
dsefcik wrote:
Were the BP checkpoints staffed and stopping cars?

I was there Saturday checking out Domelands. I didn't see any BP at the station on S2.
link
tommy750
tommy750
Posts: 1049


4/20/2020
tommy750
tommy750
Posts: 1049
Yesterday it was closed when we passed heading north but was open with the barricade in place stopping traffic when we returned later in the afternoon.
+1 link
Rocko1
Rocko1
Posts: 596


4/20/2020
Rocko1
Rocko1
Posts: 596
tommy750 wrote:
Yesterday it was closed when we passed heading north but was open with the barricade in place stopping traffic when we returned later in the afternoon.


Never been stopped at that checkpoint even when it was manned. I assume they are now since the 8 fwy checkpoint is closed.
link
tommy750
tommy750
Posts: 1049


4/20/2020
tommy750
tommy750
Posts: 1049
Rocko1 wrote:
tommy750 wrote:
Yesterday it was closed when we passed heading north but was open with the barricade in place stopping traffic when we returned later in the afternoon.


Never been stopped at that checkpoint even when it was manned. I assume they are now since the 8 fwy checkpoint is closed.

Would estimate I've had to stop maybe ten times in the 15 or so years the checkpoint has been open. Used to hike Wind Caves at night a lot after work for exercise and would routinely get stopped when I would turn back onto S2. Did get chased down once when I missed the Wind Caves turnoff and made an obvious U turn in front of the checkpoint in my old white cargo van. Nothing suspicious there, right? The In-Ko-Pah checkpoint right before the I-8 grade has been closed for years. Used to be 30+ minute waits after BP Agent Robert Rosas was cut down in the line of duty in 2009. Nice guy. You've probably seen his name on signs along the freeway. My wife and I worked with his spouse for years.
+1 link
tekewin
tekewin
Posts: 368


5/20/2020
tekewin
tekewin
Posts: 368
Anybody heard any rumors about re-opening? Park web site was last updated May 1, but still says everything closed including dirt roads.
link
Buford
Buford
Posts: 456


5/22/2020
Buford
Buford
Posts: 456
I am guessing the park needs guidance from Sacramento, all state parks appear to be under the same order. I was just looking up Cuyamaca and saw the same message from May 1st on their website.

Borrego Springs is still actively discouraging people from big cities from stopping in town for supplies.

I can’t wait for the park to reopen.

Edit->
Looks like Cuyamaca website just got updated. ABDSP still has the May 1st message.
edited by Buford on 5/22/2020

--
Links to my photos: ABDSP photos, Bighorn sheep photos, ABDSP time lapse video, Wildlife photos (mainly birds)
+2 link
Rocko1
Rocko1
Posts: 596


5/22/2020
Rocko1
Rocko1
Posts: 596
The state reopened parking to 27 state parks a few days ago-unfortunately none in SD County.
+1 link
dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2622


6/4/2020
dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2622
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=638

========

UPDATE (June 5, 2020) - As California State Parks begins working with locals on a phased and regionally-driven approach to increase access to state park units where compliance with state and local public health ordinances can be achieved, it is important for visitors to continue to practice physical distancing and avoid congregating with people outside their immediate household. Everyone has the responsibility to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Here are some guidelines for people visiting Anza-Borrego Desert State Park:

What is open now?
Anza- Borrego Desert SP is open to the public for day-use activities only from sunrise to sunset. The park remains closed to camping (developed and primitive).
  • Backcountry Unpaved Roads for day-use activities that do not lead into Ocotillo Wells.
  • Hell Hole Day-use Area
  • Sunrise Trail Head Parking / Day-use Areas
  • Very limited parking is now available to the public.

What is currently closed at this park and throughout the State Park System?
At this park:
  • Camping (developed and primitive)
  • Backcountry Unpaved Roads that lead into Ocotillo Wells
  • Open Dispersed Backcountry Camping
  • Peg Leg Primitive Camping Area
  • Culp Valley Primitive Camping Area
  • Coyote Canyon Above 3rd Crossing
  • North Coyote Canyon / Turkey Track Access Gate
  • Borrego Palm Canyon Day-use and Campground
  • Tamarisk Grove Campground Campgrounds
  • Arroyo Salado Primitive Camp
  • Blair Valley Primitive Camp
  • Yaqui Pass Primitive Camp
  • Yaqui Well Primitive Camp
  • Bow Willow Primitive Camp
  • Mt. Palm Springs Primitive Camp
  • Fish Creek Primitive Camp
  • High public-use indoor facilities, including museums and visitor centers.
  • Special events and tours continue to be canceled until further notice.
Statewide:
  • Campgrounds.
  • High public-use indoor facilities, including museums and visitor centers.
  • Special events and tours continue to be canceled until further notice.

Are there any new visitor guidelines?
Yes, please see below:
  • Stay Local: Stay close to home. Walk or bike into the park. Parking is very limited. Do not take road trips to parks and beaches or to neighboring states.
  • Stay Active: Keep walking, jogging, hiking and biking. Watch for one-way trails.
  • Stay Safer at 6 Feet: Maintain a physical distance of 6 feet or more. Gatherings, picnics and parties are not allowed. Visitors will be asked to leave if there are too many people at the park, beach or on trails to allow for the required physical distance.
  • Stay Clean: Be prepared. Bring soap/sanitizer and pack out all trash.
  • Stay Covered: wear a face covering whenever you are within six feet of another person who is not a member of your family or household.

Thank you for your patience and continued support of California State Parks as we work to limit your risk for exposure to COVID-19 in the outdoors. For more information, please visit parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.
edited by dsefcik on 6/4/2020

--
http://www.sefcik.com
http://www.darensefcik.com
http://www.carrizogorge.com
+2 link
Buford
Buford
Posts: 456


6/4/2020
Buford
Buford
Posts: 456
Just saw the semi good news. Hopefully the park doesn’t get over run.

No dispersed camping is a bummer. I definitely don’t like camping near others, even before the pandemic. The sunrise to sunset hours are not great either.

--
Links to my photos: ABDSP photos, Bighorn sheep photos, ABDSP time lapse video, Wildlife photos (mainly birds)
link






Powered by Jitbit Forum 8.3.8.0 © 2006-2013 Jitbit Software